Sammamish’s eighth annual Acceptance Respect Affection Support (ARAS) African Bike Drive will take place May 4 at City Hall.

Last year, with the assistance of the Village Bicycle Project organization, ARAS shipped 700 bikes and bike parts to Ghana. Over the past several years, ARAS has sent approximately 5,000 bikes to Africa.

Donated bikes and parts can be dropped off from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., or arrangements can be made to drop off beforehand at a different Sammamish location.

Volunteers are needed from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. to help prepare the bikes for shipment. Handlebars and seats are lowered and the pedals removed in order to conserve space in the shipping container which will be at City Hall.

No bike experience is needed to volunteer. ARAS welcomes clubs, families and Scout troops to assist by seeking bike donations in their neighborhoods, schools, places of worship and work. Donations are tax deductible.

To donate or volunteer contact 425-868 8448 or mary@arasfoundation.org.